Jazz Leeds are pleased to have the Leeds Youth Jazz Rock Orchestra (LYJRO) open the six day 2018 Jazz Leeds Festival at Seven Arts.

LYJRO says a lot about the roots and passion about jazz in Leeds. The band was first formed in 1991 it aims to give young people in our schools the chance to perform in a professional setting whilst learning how to be confident musicians, in both their reading and improvisation abilities. For many instrumentalists, it has acted as a springboard to higher education in music. For others, it complements other areas of study and forms a basis for a lifelong enjoyment of jazz music.

LYJRO covers an array of styles from jazz to rock, whilst encompassing further influences from soul and funk. Conducted by the charismatic Brendan Duffy, the band consists of a full line up of trumpets, saxophones, rhythm section instruments and more.

The band tours regularly in South Africa going to Leeds twin town of Durban, where they work with young audiences on an individual level, allowing band members to understand their natural love of music and how it is so prevalent in their everyday lives. Closer to home, LYJRO are active in many outreach schemes in the Leeds area to bring jazz music to all corners of the city.

“As jazz enthusiasts, we feel compelled to spread our love of music, far and wide. We’ve found that those with least access to traditional jazz instruments are most receptive to its free spirit and visceral effect”. Brendan Duffy

Support is from Leeds guitarist Nik Svarc with his star trio of Martin Longhawn (keys) and Dave Walsh (drums) 8-8.30pm